Modern OLEDs Face Burn-in Concerns Despite Brightness Gains

Modern OLED TVs have made significant strides in terms of brightness and efficiency, but a recent test by Rtings.com raises concerns about their vulnerability to burn-in. The test, which compared newer models from 2020 to 2023 against an older model from 2017, found that units from both eras develop similar burn-in after 10,000 hours of simulated news channel usage. However, modern TVs are much brighter and use less power, which can mitigate the typical burn-in period and extend the overall lifespan of the panel. Rtings tested a range of OLED TVs, including models from LG and other manufacturers, and found that they all suffered from image retention after the simulated longevity period. The test methodology involved setting each TV to its maximum SDR brightness, rather than a universal luminance value, to more accurately simulate daily usage. The results show that modern OLED TVs are significantly brighter than their older counterparts, with the average 2023 panel being more than twice as bright as the 2017 panel at 100% window size. This increased brightness comes at the cost of power consumption, with models from 2023 being about 27% more efficient than those from 2017. However, the increased brightness also means that OLED TVs have more headroom to leverage when it comes to longevity. By running the panel at a lower brightness level, users can potentially delay the point of no return for image retention and extend the lifespan of the panel. The publication points out that this is a risk-reduction measure rather than a guaranteed lifespan control, as organic pixels will always wear over time no matter what. Nevertheless, the data suggests that modern OLED TVs can be used safely for extended periods of time, as long as users are not manually interfering with the built-in self-care features. ## Burn-in Concerns and Brightness Gains The test results raise questions about the design priorities of OLED TV manufacturers. While peak luminance has been a key focus for many years, the data suggests that panel preservation should have been prioritized over brightness. However, the publication argues that the increased brightness of modern OLED TVs provides crucial headroom for longevity, making them a safer choice for users. ## Mitigating Burn-in with Brightness Control The test results also highlight the importance of brightness control in mitigating burn-in. By running the panel at a lower brightness level, users can potentially delay the point of no return for image retention and extend the lifespan of the panel. This is a risk-reduction measure rather than a guaranteed lifespan control, but it suggests that modern OLED TVs can be used safely for extended periods of time. ## Conclusion The test results raise concerns about the vulnerability of modern OLED TVs to burn-in, but also highlight the importance of brightness control in mitigating this issue. While the increased brightness of modern OLED TVs provides crucial headroom for longevity, users should still be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. By running the panel at a lower brightness level and using the built-in self-care features, users can potentially extend the lifespan of their OLED TV and avoid the issue of burn-in.